I'm slow. Very slow. I guess technically I'm "jogging" and definitely wouldn't classify it as "running" but I'm for sure not "walking" except for when I actually take a walk break. I have no time goal with my half marathon. Well... I at least want to cross the finish line while they still have one out there. The course time limit says 4 hours and right now I'm averaging what would be a 3 hr half. So I guess I'll be fine.
This is in no way whatsoever easy for me. Last August I couldn't run a whole minute. I can now run a full mile with out having to take a walk break, but again, I'm not out there running a 9 minute mile either so I guess it's all relative. The last mile this Sunday was HARD.
I bought one of those water bottle belts. I wore it for the first time on Sunday. I hated it. Who can run with one of those things strapped around them for mile after mile? When my husband met me at the 1/2 way mark to follow along next to me on his bike, I quickly pulled off that water belt and made him take it. Do I need to bring my own water along for my half? There are 5 aid stations along the route for my half marathon and it says they'll have water and Nuun. I kind of think I don't need to torture myself with that water bottle belt. Plus it was expensive. I would hate to find myself flinging it towards some random person on the side of the street around mile 5. Because I totally would!
I'm having an issue with my feet. I went to Fleet Feet and got fitted for new shoes. They felt great on my two short runs of the week then mile 6-8 on Sunday the bottoms of my feet started to hurt again like my long run the week before. I actually think I could have an issue with my socks. I wear socks that have that tight band around the arches "for support" and I think my feet start to swell around mile 6 and the socks are too constricting which causes blood flow issues which then causes the pain. As soon as I take off my shoes and socks it all goes away.
Do you have a sock recommendation? Let me hear it! And yes I realize we all don't have the same feet, I'm just curious what you're wearing.
Right now I'm at that spot in my training where I realize a 13.1 run is totally doable (even at 3 hours!) but then I'm like, "OMG I just want to lay down on that person's lawn and take a nap, and I'm just going to ride my bike because it's soooo much easier and at least I'm sitting down when I'm riding it and I'll never complain about huffing and puffing up a mountain again."
I'm not going to tell you the amount of time I've spent reading about underwear on the Runner's World Forums.
This weekend my husband and I are going to drive the half marathon course which will either put me at ease or completely freak me out. A freak out would be scary ...I'm not an easy to person to freak out. I'm like super calm chill. *fingers crossed*
What half are you running?
ReplyDeleteFor context: I've run 4 1/2s. Carried water once. Not necessary unless it's really hot & there are no aid stations.
Socks: Balenga (sp?)sold by Fleet feet. Also some "aerobic" dance socks I bought in the late 90's for Jazzercise: padding on forefoot, thinner on top. Absolutely no cotton.
I'd rather ride a century than run a marathon. I run for crosstraining benefits & to keep some goal-setting skills sharp during the non-bike racing season. It's all mental. Keep up the good work!
I'm doing the Shamrock'n Half on March 17 in Sacramento.
Delete1. There is NOTHING wrong with being slow - you are still going faster than anyone who is not running. And with any new distance you automatically get a PR!
ReplyDelete2. Water - do what works for you. No, you don't need it. It will most likely be a cool enough day the aid stations will be plenty. How do you train? With water/without? That should be your gauge for the race. If you don't train with it there is probably no reason you would be any different during the race. If you ever decide you do want water you could always try a small handheld too. That way you have the water if you want it but you aren't carrying all those bottles.
3. Socks = Balega. I love them for running but hate them for cycling.
Ultimately, like cycling, you will find what works for you with practice. Hated the water belt, try the handheld. Hate the handheld, heck try a small camelback. Hate that? Go without. Try some of your favorite cycling socks in your running shoes on your next run. If you like them for cycling you might like them for running.
I think seeing the course will be calming - no big hills, probably a lot of area you have actually seen before and don't underestimate the energy you will get from actually being at the race with the hundreds of other people. It keeps pushing you forward.
Oh and underwear - I've worn, not worn them all and can honestly say I actually prefer cotton boy shorts from Victoria Secret the best. Yes, cotton, the number one no-no in running. Weird, yes, TMI, probably but when it comes to these kinds of convos in running no topic is off limits. :)
Definitely heading to Fleet Feet tomorrow to pick up some Balega socks. And definitely not wearing the water belt. Feels like overkill. 5 water stops in 13 miles is plenty for me.
DeleteI've only been running a few years and have done two halfs: Cleveland & Indy. I agree with others that you shouldn't stress about time, set goal but only worry about finishing. As to shoes, you need to break them in so run a short run in new shoes & go back to old ones for next two runs. Then do 2 runs in new shoes the following 2 weeks with a run in old shoes between the 2 new shoe runs. It should take a month or longer before you use your new shoes exclusively. This helps your feet & calves get used to running in new shoes.
ReplyDeleteSocks: I third recommend balega & use them exclusively. My Cleveland half was a deluge & these socks made running bearable on my soggy feet.
Underwear: I use cheap cotton bikinis & with good running pants never had any difficulty.
Final thought: I was totally unprepared for my emotional response to crossing my first finish line. Time didn't matter but the fact that I lost 40 pounds & completed something so hard made me an emotional wreck! :) just telling you so you can try to prepare yourself for the euphoria of crossing your own finish line!
Wow J9! I had no idea you lost 40 pounds. What an amazing accomplishment! You go girl.
DeleteWell, I still need to lose at least 20 more so no back patting yet! :) It would help my knees to lose that weight too and make me faster. I just can't reduce calories more and still have enough energy for running and life in general. Not sure how I'm going to accomplish the final 20 pounds!
DeleteJog, run .. does it really make a difference? You're running a 1/2 marathon! That's freaking amazing!!!!
DeleteI use Feetures socks and love them. I looked on amazon and Feetures also sells a running sock specifically for people with plantar fasciitis. I hope that's not what you're getting when you describe the pain along the bottom of your foot, but it kinda sounds like it. I also have two pairs of winter Thorlo socks but l only use them when temps are below freezing--which I guess doesn't apply to you any time of the year!! From the comments above, I should check out Balega the next time I need new ones.
Underwear. I usually skip it.
I think you can get away with skipping the water belt. It sounds like it's just going to annoy you. If there are five stops in 13.1 miles, that's plenty of opportunity to hydrate.
Keep up the awesome training! You're doing great!
You are doing great! Keep it up! I know training for your first half marathon can be kind of scary, but you are on the right path.
ReplyDeleteOn the water, I think you'll be OK without. I don't like running with a water belt either -- I hate the sloshing! I have never had an issue with not having enough. If you are feeling thirsty, you can grab a few waters at each station.
Thank you Kristen. I too think I'll be fine without the water belt.
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